Nokia Ozo VR camera gets a price and release date

We first saw the intriguing Nokia Ozo back in July. Touted as a next generation device to capture cinematic video and audio in 360 degrees, we didn't get to see much in the dark, mist shrouded teasers Nokia was willing to share back then. Yesterday Nokia held a special launch event in LA and has followed up with a dedicated website with lots of info about the Ozo, including moderately detailed tech specs.

At the LA event Nokia provided a live demonstration of the Ozo virtual reality camera. People at the Nokia event could see and hear a nearby rock concert taking place at Capitol Records. The Ozo system provides eight cameras, each paired with a microphone and produces seamless 360 degree footage that directors can select in real-time. It is thought that it will be of greatest interest to film studios, documentary makers and education.

Nokia cited several big-name partners who we assume will employ Ozo and footage from the device in one way or another. According to Venture Beat the companies include; Akamai, Amazon’s Elemental Technologies, Facebook’s Oculus, HTC, and Samsung. Added to these names Nokia Ozo is "in current discussion with every major studio," said Ramzi Haidamus, president of Nokia Technologies.

The current model Nokia Ozo, as demonstrated, is now available for pre-orders. The price is set at $60,000 and there are a number of accessories available from the get-go such as extra batteries, storage, docking and tripod adapters.

Nokia has plans for other versions of the Ozo where the market indicates demand but won't stoop lower than a 'prosumer model'. Whether Nokia can carve a niche here and establish a standard for content creators remains to be seen.

Corky34I probably don't know enough about cameras to know why, what amounts to eight 2k cameras and microphones cost $60k when you can pickup a single 2k camera for around $100

They probably justify it on a number of factors, sensor quality, glass quality, etc.A large portion however is going to be the stitching and synchronisation tech, and likely the software that goes alongside it.

Not saying it is justified (I am likely not qualified to make that dstinction) but there are the reasons I can see obviously